Ambitions (TV series)
Ambitions | |
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Genre |
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Created by |
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Starring | |
Composer | Akira Kosemura |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 1 |
No. of episodes | 18 |
Production | |
Executive producers |
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Running time | 42 minutes |
Production companies |
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Original release | |
Network | Oprah Winfrey Network |
Release | June 18 December 17, 2019 | –
Ambitions is an American
Premise
Ambitions explores the sexy, deceitful machinations of love, power and politics in America's hottest urban mecca,
Cast and characters
Main
- Robin Givens as Stephanie Carlisle Lancaster, an ambitious attorney and the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster
- Essence Atkins as Amara Hughes, Assistant United States Attorney and former friend-turned-adversary of Stephanie Lancaster
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Kendrick Cross as Titus Hughes, Amara's husband
- Brely Evans as Rondell Pauline Lancaster, Evan Lancaster's older sister and owner of Thelma's Place
- Erica Page as Bella Tru, a fashion designer. She is one of Evan's lovers and mother of his illegitimate son.
Recurring
- Christina Kirkmanas Lori Purifoy, smart and challenging daughter of Hunter Purifoy who works in PR
- Steven Williams as Stephen Carlisle, a powerful attorney and father of Stephanie
- Brian Bosworth as Hunter Purifoy, a savvy pharmaceutical magnate, who is in the throes of combating a class action lawsuit brought by the powerful Carlisle law firm family
- Deena Dill as Juniper Purifoy, Hunter's wife
- Gino Anthony Pesi as Greg Peters, an aggressive, self-confident real estate developer who's trying to make Rondell sell him the family restaurant so he could use the block in an upcoming development plan
- Alexander Mulzac as Damian Collins
- Kayla Smith as Carly Lancaster, Stephanie and Evan's smart and determined daughter, who's a theater major at Spelman College
- Donna Biscoe as Irene Perkins-Carlisle, Stephanie's mother
- Tony Vaughn as Evan "Senior" Lancaster, Sr., Evan and Rondell's father who founded Thelma's Place
- Lana Young as Inez Trujillo, Bella's mother who works at Thelma's Place
- Brianne Cordaro as Daphne Manning, a member of Evan Lancaster's city administration and his mistress
- Andrew Rush as Alix, Evan Lancaster's personal security detail
- Felisha Terrell as Marylin Barnes, Stephanie and Amara's sorority sister, a philanthropist
- E. Roger Mitchell as Marvin Barnes, Marilyn's husband and owner of Beta New Electric
- Maria Legarda as Perla, Bella's jealous friend
Episodes
No. | Title [4] | Directed by | Written by | Original air date [4] | U.S. viewers (millions) | |
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1 | "Friends & Lovers" | Benny Boom | Jamey Giddens | June 18, 2019 | 1.18[5] | |
Titus and Amara contend with issues from their past; Stephanie takes her relationship with Evan to the point of no return; The Carlisles and Purifoys take their generational feud to another level; Rondell and Evan seek to tamp down a common threat. | ||||||
2 | "Woman to Woman" | Larry Shaw | Kevin Arkadie | June 25, 2019 | 1.14[6] | |
Amara puts Stephanie on notice. Atlanta's first lady learns a shocking secret about a rival. Bella makes a bold play to get what she wants. Rondell finds an ally in her fight to save her restaurant. | ||||||
3 | "Welcome to Birmingham" | Larry Shaw | Susan Dansby | July 2, 2019 | 1.09[7] | |
Stephanie looks for a way to repay Amara. Rondell falls out of favor with Senior. Bella looks to exploit her connection to the mayor. | ||||||
4 | "Reap What You Sew" | Benny Boom | Michele Val Jean | July 9, 2019 | 0.75[8] | |
Stephanie and Evan join forces to pursue mutual self-interests. Titus undertakes a risky mission that could destroy his career. | ||||||
5 | "Killing Me Softly" | Benny Boom | Trey Anthony | July 16, 2019 | 0.59[9] | |
Titus and Amara are surprised by a blast from their past who blows into town; Stephanie comes up with a diabolical plan to retain the firm's most prized client; Rondell's relationship takes a turn; Bella figures out a way to resume her livelihood; Carly gives Lori an ultimatum. | ||||||
6 | "What About Your Friends" | Angela Gomes | Jamey Giddens | July 23, 2019 | 0.71[10] | |
Stephanie is a force to be reckoned with at a Women's Empowerment Summit; Bella forges an alliance with Rod; Evan attempts to bargain with Greg Peters; Carly is taken off-guard by Stephanie's perfect timing. | ||||||
7 | "Poison and Wine" | Angela Gomes | Jazmen Darnell Brown | July 30, 2019 | 0.68[11] | |
Stephanie makes an accusation and vows to get revenge; Bella navigates Rod and Evan; Amara forms an unlikely partnership that compels Titus to make questionable moves; Senior suffers a health setback; Carly takes a leap of faith with Lori. | ||||||
8 | "Backstabbers" | Neema Barnette | Susan Dansby | August 6, 2019 | 0.71[12] | |
Stephanie and Irene conspire against Rondell; Titus takes matters into his own hands; Rondell makes personal and professional moves; Greg's family means business. | ||||||
9 | "Giving Up" | Neema Barnette | Michele Val Jean | August 13, 2019 | 0.66[13] | |
Rondell loses in a big way; Stephanie exacts revenge on Lori; The highly anticipated Anniversary Celebration at Thelma's Place ends sooner than expected; Damian continues to wreak havoc in the lives of Titus and Amara. | ||||||
10 | "Ex-Factor" | Benny Boom | Gabrielle Fulton Ponder | August 20, 2019 | 0.74[14] | |
The Barnes have a big surprise for the Carlisles, forcing Stephanie and Evan to fight fire with fire; Amara receives backlash at work for her prior indiscretions; Bella makes a bold move with Stephanie; Titus' win for Rondell is eclipsed by the loss he suffers from Damian; Greg tells Stephanie she's run out of time. | ||||||
11 | "A Change is Gonna Come" | Benny Boom | Kevin Arkadie | August 27, 2019 | 0.79[15] | |
Stephanie has the ultimate trump card against Amara. Bella is giving love another chance, only to be hurt again. Rondell and Evan are blind-sided. | ||||||
12 | "The Thrill Is Gone" | Kenny Leon | Jazmen Darnell Brown | November 12, 2019 | 0.59[16] | |
Evan and Rondell demand justice from Greg; Bella's best friend Perla dispenses advice; Amara's suspicions are confirmed; Evan finds a new rival in Kent; Titus and Amara work to reconcile; Stephanie pushes back against Greg's cousin Natasha. | ||||||
13 | "Since I Lost My Baby" | Kenny Leon | Jacqueline McKinley & Antonia March | November 19, 2019 | 0.54[17] | |
Evan and Bell endure the worst day of their lives. A blast from the past haunt Evan and Rondell. | ||||||
14 | "You Owe Me" | Crystle Roberson | Gabrielle Fulton Ponder | November 26, 2019 | 0.54[18] | |
Amara sets a trap; Stephanie reveals a painful secret; Hunter teeters on the brink of disaster; Cousin Darcia dispenses life-changing news; Perla feels the heat. | ||||||
15 | "Blood on the Dance Floor" | Crystle Roberson | Jazmen Darnell Brown | December 3, 2019 | 0.60[19] | |
Carlisle matriarch Irene shows her mettle; A new foe walks into Amara's life; Stephanie issues an ultimatum; Evan betrays an ally; Titus becomes a target; Damian takes a stand. | ||||||
16 | "Hit 'em Up" | Unknown | Unknown | December 10, 2019 | 0.48[20] | |
Rondell and Evan join forces to save Thelma's Place; Stephanie seeks payback; An unlikely suspect comes forth as Senior's killer; Hunter presses Titus to follow his lead; Bella scrutinizes her inner circle; Amara is taken off guard; Stephen and Hunter release their fury; Perla gets revenge. | ||||||
17 | "Through the Wire" | Unknown | Unknown | December 10, 2019 | 0.54[20] | |
Stephanie closes in on the corner office; Bella is overwhelmed; Rondell discovers Darcia's dirty secret; Lori grows suspicious of Titus; Stephanie confronts Bella; Damian likes the hand he's dealt himself. | ||||||
18 | "Save the Best for Last" | Unknown | Unknown | December 17, 2019 | 0.57[21] | |
Stephanie plays a deadly game with Evan; Titus faces unforeseen circumstances; Stephen has a surprise for Stephanie; Bella loosens Stephanie's grip; Rondell and Evan are pushed to their limits with Darcia; Stephanie and Amara keep their friends close and enemies closer. |
Production
Development
On April 17, 2018, it was announced that Oprah Winfrey Network ordered straight-to-series new scripted drama Ambitions from producer Will Packer and Lionsgate Television.[1] The series was created by Jamey Giddens.[22] Kevin Arkadie later joined as showrunner and Benny Boom directed the pilot episode.[23] On January 23, 2020, the series was canceled after one season.[3]
Casting
On November 13, 2018, it was announced that Givens will play the leading role, along with Atkins, White, Cross, Evans and Page.[24] On December 4, 2018, Steven Williams and Christina Kirkman have joined the cast.[25] In January 2019, Brian Bosworth, Deena Dill, Gino Anthony Pesi and Kayla Smith were cast in recurring roles for the first season.[26]
References
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (April 17, 2018). "OWN Orders 2 Will Packer Series: Drama 'Ambitions' & Unscripted 'Ready To Love'". Retrieved November 13, 2018.
- ^ Trailer: The Series Premiere of "Ambitions" | Ambitions | Oprah Winfrey Network Oprah Winfrey Network Official YouTube Channel, May 7, 2019
- ^ a b Swift, Andy (January 23, 2020). "Ambitions Cancelled After 1 Season". TVLine. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
- ^ a b "Ambitions – Listings". The Futon Critic. November 13, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (June 19, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.18.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on June 19, 2019. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (June 26, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.25.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (July 3, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.2.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (July 11, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.9.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 11, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (July 17, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.16.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 17, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (July 24, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.23.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 24, 2019. Retrieved July 24, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (July 31, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.30.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 31, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (August 7, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.6.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (August 14, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.13.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on August 14, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (August 21, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.20.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on August 21, 2019. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (August 28, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.27.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on August 28, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 13, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.12.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 14, 2019. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 20, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.19.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 21, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 27, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.26.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (December 4, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 12.3.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on December 4, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
- ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (December 11, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 12.10.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (December 18, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 12.17.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
- ^ Holloway, Daniel (April 17, 2018). "OWN Orders Two Series From Will Packer". Retrieved November 13, 2018.
- ^ "Breaking News - OWN's New Family Saga "Ambitions," From Will Packer, Jamey Giddens, Lionsgate and Debmar-Mercury, Starts Production in Atlanta - TheFutonCritic.com". www.thefutoncritic.com. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
- ^ Petski, Denise (November 13, 2018). "'Ambitions': Robin Givens To Lead Ensemble Cast Of Will Packer's OWN Drama Series". Retrieved November 13, 2018.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (December 4, 2018). "'Ambitions': Steven Williams & Christina Kirkman Join Will Packer's OWN Drama Series". Retrieved March 10, 2019.
- ^ Petski, Denise (January 8, 2019). "'Ambitions': Brian Bosworth, Deena Dill, Gino Anthony Pesi & Kayla Smith To Recur On OWN Drama Series". Retrieved March 10, 2019.